FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assembly of a shade and a light source provided inside the shade. The assembly is configured to provide light in at least three different directions: a first, second and third direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intelligent or smart lamps may be seen in e.g. http : 7/q etf I uxo.com/. where a complete lamp is illustrated being able to selectively emit light upwardly and downwardly in different directions. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a lighting assembly comprising a shade with a light source positioned inside the shade, the assembly being capable of generating light in at least three directions, upwardly, downwardly and to the sides, toward the shade. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an assembly of a shade and a light source positioned inside the shade, wherein:

the shade is light transmissive;

the light source has:

a. One or more first light-emitting elements configured to emit white light in first direction;

b One or more second light-emitting elements configured to emit white light in a second direction being opposite to the first direction;

c One or more third light-emitting elements configured to emit light of at least one colour in a third direction and toward the shade. The shade is a light transmissive element. In this context, the shade is preferably "light transmissive", when it transmits at least 10 % of the intensity of light of a predetermined wavelength emitted from the light source. This predetermined wavelength preferably is within the visible wavelength range of light, such as 390-700nm. It is preferred that the shade is configured to transmit at least 10% of the light emitted thereto of light in a wavelength interval with a width of at least lOnm, such as at least 50nm, such as at least lOOnm.

The shade may be a lampshade that can be mounted on a wall, desk, floor, etc. or hanging from e.g. a celling or the like. Often, the shade will comprise a light transmissive element such as paper, parchment, woven and breaded fabrics, silk, etc. and a supporting structure, such as metal struts or wires. The shade can have different shapes, such as pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, elliptical, spherical, parabolic, or the like.

The light source may be attached to the shade via a plurality of wires, struts or the like. Naturally, the light source can comprise a standard lightbulb socket or other electrical connection if desired. A standard lightbulb socket used in domestic appliances may be the E10, El l, E12, E14, E17, E26/27, E40 as well as pre-focus or bayonet socket types.

A light-emitting element is a device which is configured to emit light, usually by receiving an electrical signal. In the present context, the light-emitting element may emit light of a single predetermined wavelength, or it may emit light in an interval having a width of several nm. Preferred light-emitting elements are configured to emit white light or coloured light, such as red light, blue light, green light or the like. Naturally, light emitted from coloured light- emitting elements may be combined to generate white light or light of other colours if desired. In one embodiment, the first, second and third light-emitting elements may be light- emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colours and/or sizes. Other types of light-emitting elements are laser diodes, OLEDS or the like. Even though it is possible to direct light from a single light-emitting element into different directions, it is preferred that the first, second and third light-emitting elements are separate groups of light-emitting elements.

The first light-emitting elements may be selected to and/or configured to output white light of a desired intensity. The same applies to the second light-emitting elements. The third light-emitting elements may be selected to and/or configured to output light of a desired colour and/or intensity. Thus, if the light emitted in the third direction is only desired to be white or e.g. red, white or red light emitting elements may be used.. The first and second directions are opposite to each other. Naturally, light is usually emitted not along a single direction but within a beam or fan having a cone-shape or the like. The direction of a beam then may be a direction within this fan/cone, such as an axis of symmetry thereof if an axis of symmetry exists. Preferably, the third direction is at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Again, the light emitted in the third direction preferably will be within a fan/cone, or rather in a plane (i.e. as a disc) at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Again, perpendicular to this plane, the light emitted may fan out. The third direction is within this fan-shaped radiation. Preferably, the shade has a tubular outline having an axis of symmetry, such as an axis of rotational symmetry, along the first/second directions. When the light source is positioned within the shade, the third direction directs light toward the shade to illuminate the shade as a lamp normally is. Then, the fan-shape of the light from the third light-emitting elements may be adapted to the shade so that at least substantially all of the shade may be illuminated by the third light-emitting elements.

Preferably, in proximity of the light source, the light emitted from the first, second and third light-emitting elements do not overlap. Farther from the light emitter, the fan-shaped beams may overlap.

In a preferred embodiment, the shade has a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings may be positioned at opposite sides or ends of the shade. The first and second openings may be of different sizes and shapes, such as circular, triangular, square, hexagonal, etc. In this embodiment, the one or more first light-emitting elements of the light source are configured to emit white light toward the first opening. Preferably, at least part of the light emitted from the first light-emitting elements passes through the first opening. Also, in this embodiment, the one or more second light-emitting elements are configured to emit white light toward the second opening. Preferably, at least part of the light emitted from the second light-emitting elements passes through the second opening. In this manner, an area above the shade may be illuminated not by the shade but through the first opening and an area below the shade may be illuminated not by the shade but through the second opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises a planar printed circuit board (PCB) which physically supports the light-emitting elements. Preferably, the PCB has a first and second surface, preferably the main surfaces thereof, opposed to each other. The first light-emitting elements are fixed to the first surface, the second light-emitting elements are fixed to the second surface, and the third light-emitting elements are fixed to the first and/or second surface. The PCB may act to electrically connect to the light-emitting elements and/or to assist in dissipating heat from the light-emitting elements. Having the first and second surfaces facing two opposite directions implies that the light emitted from the first and second emitting elements may be emitted in the first and second directions, respectively. In another embodiment, the light source may comprise two or more separated PCBs carrying the light-emitting elements, where one PCB has the first surface and the light-emitting elements connected thereto and the other PCB has the other surface and the light-emitting elements connected thereto. Under all circumstances, the PCB(s) may be connected to a power supply of any desired type (battery, solar cell, mains or the like). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the light source comprises one or more light-reflecting elements. In the present context, a light-reflecting element is an optical device which is configured to reflect light directed to it from one direction to another direction. In one embodiment, light-reflecting elements are configured to reflect the light emitted from the third light-emitting elements into the third direction. The reflecting element may be a transmissive element, such as an optical lens, or a diffractive/reflective element, such as a mirror, which may be e.g. an aluminium reflector or any other kind of reflective surface. The light-reflecting element may be made from a heat dissipating metal dissipating the heat generated by the third light-emitting elements. Alternatively, a heat sink, i.e. heat dissipating element, may be included adjacent to the reflecting element or the light-emitting elements. The light source may also comprise heat dissipating elements, for dissipating heat generated by the first and second light-emitting elements.

The light source may further comprise one or more light diffusers. In the present context the light diffuser is an element which diffuses light. A diffuser can be any translucent element, typically made of different types of glass, plastic, teflon, etc. The desired operation of a light diffuser is to have the brightness of light scattered from a diffuser appear to be the same from any angle of view. The diffuser(s) may have a wide range of shapes and sizes. The shape and size of the diffusers may at least partly determine an angle of the light emitted by the source. The light diffusers may diffuse the light emitted from the first, second and/or third light-emitting elements. According to one embodiment, the diffuser(s) is/are arranged around the light-emitting elements. Preferably, one light diffuser is providing for diffusing the light emitted from the first light-emitting elements, another light diffuser is provided for diffusing the light emitted from the second light-emitting elements, and yet another one is provided for diffusing the light emitted from the third light-emitting elements.

The first and/or second light-emitting elements may be configured to output light within a controllable brightness and/or light intensity while the third light-emitting elements may be configured to output light with a controllable colour, brightness and/or light intensity. In general, a controllable colour may be obtained from differently coloured light-emitting elements outputting varying intensities or by varying the colour of light output of a light- emitting element. Light-emitting elements exist the colour of which may be adapted. Other light-emitting elements output light of the same colour, so that only the intensity thereof may be varied. Naturally, instead of varying the intensity of light emitted from a light- emitting element, the number of light-emitting elements may be adapted to the intensity desired. This is known to the skilled person who will be able to obtain any colour and intensity desired.

In the same manner, a direction of the light output may be adapted by controlling a reflector or by operating different light-emitting elements configured to, such as directed, in the desired direction. By altering the direction, different atmospheres may be created, such as one suitable for resting or reading or working or watching television, etc.

The assembly may further comprise an electronic unit which is in connection with the light source so as to control parameters of the first, second and/or third light-emitting elements and, therefore, the light emitted therefrom. The electronic unit may be a microcontroller which controls parameters such as intensity, colour, directionality and/or brightness of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements. For example, the microcontroller may change the brightness of the light-emitting elements using a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal fed to the light source. The electronic unit may turn on one or more light-emitting elements, while turning off the rest. Furthermore, the electronic unit may individually control each of the light-emitting elements if desired.

It is preferred that the assembly, i.e. the electronic unit, is wirelessly connected to a portable unit via e.g. WiFi communication, Bluetooth communication, Zwave communication or the like. The portable unit may be a cell phone, tablet, iPod, laptop computer, purpose-built remote control or the like. In the present context, the portable unit may send information with preferred settings to the electronic unit, and based on that information the electronic unit will apply the settings to the light source. The portable unit may be operated by a user who can apply predefined settings determining light intensity, colour, directionality, brightness, etc., to the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third light-emitting elements define three light zones: a first, second and third. All three zones may be individually controlled by the electronic unit. A number of predetermined settings may exist in the portable unit memory. These predetermined settings are easy to apply. For example, in one situation only the first light zone might be on, while the second and third light zones are off. In another example, only the second light zone may be on, while the first and third light zones are off. In yet another example, the third light zone may be on and the first and second light zones will be off. Also a combination of two zones turned on and one zone turned off may be a possibility. Lightning will be also different when, for example, only the first zone is on, the intensity of the light-emitting elements is at 80 % and the colour temperature is 3000 K. To mimic, for instance, day light atmosphere, all three zones may be turned on to a maximum intensity and a colour temperature may be about 6500 K. A typical atmosphere for resting would be with the up-zone turned on to 30 % of the intensity and the colour temperature of 3000 K.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in further details with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly of a shade and a light source positioned inside the shade.

Fig. 2 illustrates an assembly of the shade and light source emitting light a) towards the shade b) downwardly through the lower opening of the shade c) upwardly through the upper opening of the shade. Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of the embodiments of the light source.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the light source.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the following description relates to examples of embodiments, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly 100 of a shade 101, hanging from e.g. a ceiling, and a light source 102 positioned inside the shade. The shade 101 is light transmissive and has an upper opening 103 and a lower opening 104. The light source may be attached to the shade via a plurality of wires/struts 107. The source 102 can be connected to a lightbulb socket 105 ensuring electrical connection via an electrical cable 106. The lightbulb socket 105 is a standard socket used in houses, enabling the light source 102 to be installed instead of traditional light bulbs. Additionally, the light source 102 is adaptable to a number of shades of different shape.

Fig. 2 illustrates an assembly of the shade and light source emitting light in different directions. Fig. 2a illustrates how one or more light-emitting elements 201 emit light towards the shade 101, i.e. the third direction. In Fig. 2b, light-emitting elements 202 emit light downwardly, which may be the second direction, through the lower opening 104 of the shade. Fig. 2c illustrates light emitted upwardly, which may be the first direction, through the upper opening 103 of the shade.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of the embodiments of the light source 102. The light source 102 comprises a first planar element, i.e. a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first surface 301 and a second planar element having a second surface 302, wherein the first and second planar elements are parallel and are opposed to each other. In another embodiment the light source may comprise only one PCB having a top and bottom surface as a first and second surface. A plurality of the first light-emitting elements 203 are fixed to the first surface 301 and a plurality of the second light-emitting elements 202 are fixed to the second surface 302. The first surface 301 faces the upper opening of the shade (not shown in FIG. 3) and the second surface 302 faces the lower opening. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the third light-emitting elements 201 are fixed to the first surface 301. In another embodiment, the third light-emitting elements may be fixed to the second surface, or even to both surfaces. The light source 102 further comprises a light reflecting element 303 configured to reflect light from the third light-emitting elements 201 toward the shade. The light reflecting element 303 may be made from a heat dissipating metal. The light source 102 may further comprise one or more light diffusers 304, 305, 306 configured to spread out light emitted from the first, second and third light-emitting elements. The light source 102 may further comprise an electronic unit 307 configured to control the first, second and third light-emitting elements and light emitted therefrom. The electronic unit may control parameters such as intensity, colour, directionality, brightness of light emitter from the light-emitting elements, etc. The electronic unit 305 may turn on one or more light-emitting elements, while turning off the rest. Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the light source comprising a number of diffusers 304, 305, 306 arranged around the first, second and the third light-emitting elements fixed on the first and second surfaces 301 and 302 of the first and second PCB. As appears from the figure, in one embodiment the light source is symmetrical having the electronic unit 307 and a central diffuser 305 along the axes of symmetry. The light source 102 further comprises a top and bottom heat dissipating metal 402 and 403 arranged around the light-emitting elements. All the elements illustrated in Fig. 4 are attached to each other, forming a unity as one of the embodiments of the light source.